Martinsburg gazette. (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1886-1887, 1887-02-18


ability than in one which deals with
those utterly unable to work. am OF the
opinion that it may fairly be contended that
under the provisions Of this section any sol
der, whose faculties Of mind or body have
become impaired by accident, disease. or
age, irrespective OF his service in the army
as o cause, and who, by his labor only
IS left incapable Of gaining the fair
support he might with unimpaired
powers have provided for himself, and who
Is rot so well endowed with this worlds
goods as TO live without work, may claim to
participate in its bounty; that it Is not re-
quired that he should be without property,
but only that labor should be necessary to-
his support In some degree; nor is it required
that he should be now receiving support
from others.
Believing this to be the proper interpreta-
tion Of the bin, cannot but remember that
the soldiers OF our Civil War in their pay
and bounty received such compensation for
military service as has never been received
by soldiers before since mankind first went
to war; that never before. on behalf Of any
soldiers, have so many and such generous laws
been passed to relieve against the incidents of
war; that statutes have been passed giving
them preference in all public employments;
that the really needy and homeless Union
soldiers of the Rebellion have been, to large
extent, provided for at soldiers homes insti-
tuted and supported by the Government,
where they are maintained together, free from
the sense of degradation which attaches to
the usual support Of charity, and that never
before in the history Of the country has it
been proposed to render Government aid
toward the support Of any Of its soldiers
based alone upon military service SO recent,
and where age and circumstances appeared
so little to demand such aid. Hitherto
such relief has been granted to surviving
soldiers, few in number, venerable in age,
after long lapse Of time since their military
service, and as q parting benefaction ten
dered by grateful people. ] cannot believe
that the vast peaceful army of the Union
soldiers, who having contentedly resumed
their places in the ordinary avocations of
life, cherish as sacred the memory of patri-
otto service, or who having been disabled
by the casualties of war, justly
regard the present pension roll.
on which appear their Names as roll
of honor, desire at this time and in the pres
ent exigency, to be COMPOUNDED with those
who through such bill as this are willing to
be objects of simple charity and to gain
place upon the pension roll through alleged
dependence.
ence constrain me to refer to another result
which will inevitably follow the passage of
this bill. IL is sad but nevertheless true that
already in the matter of procuring pensions
there exists widespread disregard OF truth
and good faith, stimulated by those who, as
agents, undertake to establish claims
for pensions, heedles5ly entered
upon by the expectant beneficiary, and en-
couraged, or at least not condemned, by
those unwilling to obstruct neighbors
plans In the execution of this proposed law
under any Interpretation wide field of in
quiry would be opened for the establishment
OF facts largely within the knowledge of the
claimants alone; and there's can be no doubt
that the race after the pensions offered by
this bill would not only stimulate weakn ass
and pretended incapacity for labor, but a
further premium on dishonesty and mendac-
ity. The effect Of new invitations to apply
for pensions or of new advantages added to
causes for pensions already existing. is some
times startling
The President then takes up the subject Of
the cost Of the proposed legislation and on
this point he says:
IF none should be pens oned under this bill
except those utterly unable to work, am
satisfied that the cost stated in the esaima .e
referred to "a, 767, 120l would be many times
multiplied, and with constant increase from
year to year: and il those partially unable
TO earn their support could be admitte 1 to
the privileges of this bill, tn ) probable in
crease of expense would ba almost appall-
ing
His last annual message to Congress and
his suggestions therein relative to pension
legislation are quoted, and the President says
in conclusion:
/ do not think that the objects, the con-
ditions and the Limitations thus suggested
are contained in the bill under considera-
ton. adhere to the sentiments thus here
tofore expressed. But the evil threatened
by this bill is in my opinion such
that, charged with great response
bility on behalf of the people, can
not do otherwise than to bring to the
consideration of this measure my best efforts
of thought and judgment, and perform my
constitutional duty in relation thereto, re-
CARELESS of all consequences, except such as
appear to be related to the lest and highest
interests Of the country.